Last updated: May 2026.
What Is Baylor College of Medicine?
Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) is a private medical school in Houston, Texas, sitting at the heart of the 1,000-acre Texas Medical Center. The MD program admits about 226 new students each year, with class profiles that put it among the most selective in the country.
- Location: Houston, TX (Texas Medical Center)
- Type: Private, independent
- Year founded: 1900
- Total enrollment: 964
- New entrants per year: 226
- Median MCAT: 519 (mean 518.7)
- Median GPA: 3.95 (sci 3.94)
- Direct charges (tuition + fees + insurance), MS1 Texas resident: $31,359.85
- Total cost of attendance, MS1 Texas resident: $65,513.85
- Acceptance rate: approximately 3-4%
- Primary application service: TMDSAS (not AMCAS)
- Required additional assessment: CASPer
- Out-of-state friendly: Yes (same evaluation criteria as Texas residents)
- Distinctive features: Required Longitudinal Inquiry Project; optional Medical Research Pathway with full tuition scholarship + stipend
Part 1: Introduction
Baylor College of Medicine teaches students to use the health sciences, their knowledge and scientific experiences to become the best doctors in their fields. In addition to its world-renowned curricular approach, Baylor College of Medicine instills respect, integrity, innovation, teamwork and excellence into every student. Baylor is ranked as one of the top schools in the nation. Medical students at Baylor don’t have to travel far to gain a world of experience, either. Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital and Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center are all within a 30-minute drive of Baylor College of Medicine.
Success is prominent at Baylor College of Medicine. Baylor consistently produces strong USMLE pass rates and outstanding match results year after year. As you can imagine, the program is highly selective. Approximately 3-4% of all applicants are accepted into Baylor College of Medicine each cycle.
That’s where International Medical Aid comes in. Our founders are Johns Hopkins grads and our staff are leading experts in the medical field. We’re here to help the next generation of students. That’s why we’ve created this series of definitive guides on how to get into different medical schools. Because the more you know, the better prepared you are.
In this guide, we’re going to cover everything that Baylor College of Medicine offers its students. We’ll review their degree programs, look through essay questions (and provide samples!) and go over the interview process. We believe in taking students through every step of the process. If Baylor College of Medicine is on your radar, keep reading this guide!
Part 2: Medical Programs Offered at Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine offers the following programs.
- MD Program
- MD/Ph.D. Program
- MD/Master of Business Administration Program
- MD/Master of Public Health Program
- MD/Juris Doctorate Program
Doctor of Medicine/MD Program
This traditional program takes four years to complete. As a freshman in the MD program at Baylor College of Medicine, you’ll spend the first 16 months in the Foundational Sciences curriculum, which is as follows.
- Anatomy
- Cell Biology & Histology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Renal
- Gastrointestinal
- Metabolism/Nutrition
- Endocrine
- Reproductive Systems
- CTAPS – Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- PPS I – Patient, Physician and Society
- Immunologic and Pathologic Basis of Disease
- General Pharmacology
- Head and Neck Anatomy
- Nervous System
- Infectious Disease
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences
- Ethics
- Research and Populations in Medicine
- PPS II – Patient, Physician and Society
- Cardiology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- GU/GYN
- Genetics
- Age Related Topics
- Transition to Clinical Rotations
- PPS III – Patient, Physician and Society
After your first 16 months of Foundational Sciences, you’ll begin core clerkships in November of year two (earlier than at many peer schools). The clerkships and intersessions are structured as follows.
- Medicine – 8 weeks
- OBGYN – 6 weeks
IS – 2 weeks - Neuro – 4 weeks
Psych – 4 weeks - Pediatrics – 6 weeks
IS – 2 weeks - FCM – 4 weeks
Elective – 4 weeks - Surgery – 6 weeks
- IS – 2 weeks
- CABS – Clinical Application of Basic Sciences
– Business and Leadership in Medicine
– Patient Safety
– Nutrition
– EBM Evidence Based Medicine
You must take four weeks of Selectives during your clinical years. You can take the following courses to satisfy this requirement.
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
- Urology
You must also take four weeks of the following courses to satisfy the requirements for your Sub-Internship Experience.
- Family and Community Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- OB/GYN
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
After you’ve completed your selectives and sub-internships, you’ll go through the Clinical Sciences Curriculum. This takes place in your third year.
- More Clinical Rotations and Electives
- D-DASH – Determinants, Disparities and Social Health of Populations
- Another month of selectives
- Another month of sub-internship experience
- Advanced Clerkship in Emergency Medicine
- BCM, CPX
During your final year, you’ll have one more month of selectives and one more month of sub-internships. Then, you’ll take more electives and prepare for APEX, the Advanced Physician Experience.
These four years will prepare you to become a Doctor of Medicine. The various electives, selectives and sub-internships will help you decide what to specialize in / what type of doctor you want to be.
The Longitudinal Inquiry Project (Required for Every MD Student)
One curriculum feature that distinguishes Baylor: every MD student completes a longitudinal inquiry project on a self-selected topic. Projects span the four years and can be bench research, educational scholarship, public-health work, quality improvement, or another area of scholarly inquiry. The project can align with one of Baylor’s specialized pathways. If you already have a research or scholarly direction in mind when you apply, naming the project explicitly in your secondary essay is a strong fit signal.
The Medical Research Pathway (Optional, Full Tuition Scholarship + Stipend)
Baylor offers a Medical Research Pathway in which selected students take a full year of dedicated research between years two and three. The pathway includes a tuition scholarship and a stipend, and students who complete a second research year can earn a combined MD/MS degree. This is one of the most generous research training tracks at any U.S. medical school. More on the Medical Research Pathway.
MD/Ph.D. Program
The MD/Ph.D. program at Baylor College of Medicine takes the MD degree we just looked at to the next level. Students enrolled in the MD/Ph.D. program split their time between the laboratory and clinical care. The Ph.D. part of the program is intensive, giving students the opportunity to delve into research, hone in on interesting topics, and become expert doctors of medical philosophy.
Baylor College of Medicine has partnered with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences programs at Baylor and with Rice University’s Bioengineering Graduate Program to provide more opportunities for students.
MD/Master of Business Administration
Baylor College of Medicine partners with Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business to provide this degree.
Students will spend five years between both programs to become medical doctors and masters of business administration. This degree is especially ideal for students with aspirations for leadership positions in hospital and clinical settings.
Students will complete the MD program curriculum and spend a year in Rice University’s MBA program, completing the MBA coursework. Go here for more information on the MBA curriculum.
MD/Master of Public Health
This degree is perfect for students who have a strong interest in medicine and public health. Developing medical programs in the community, developing health policies and working in healthcare administration are some of the options that will be available to you upon graduation. Baylor College of Medicine partners with the University of Texas School of Public Health to provide this dual-degree option.
This degree also takes five years to complete, with the fourth year spent at the University of Texas School of Public Health, before returning to Baylor College of Medicine, where you’ll finish. Go here for more information on the Master of Public Health curriculum.
MD/Juris Doctorate
Baylor College of Medicine partners with the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) to offer the MD/J.D. dual-degree program. Students will earn this degree over the course of six years. Students will begin their education at Baylor College of Medicine, where you’ll go through foundational courses and begin your clinical rotations. After 24 months in the College of Medicine, students will take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step I.
After taking USMLE I, students will go to UHLC. You’ll complete two full years of academic study and one (if not more) summer session to earn the J.D. part of your degree. Then, you’ll return to Baylor College of Medicine and complete the remainder of your MD degree while taking 10-12 credits through UHLC.
You’ll ultimately be awarded both degrees, making you a doctor and an attorney (if you pass the bar exam and become licensed).
Tuition Costs
Considering everything it has to offer, Baylor College of Medicine is affordable, especially for Texas residents. Per BCM’s published 2026-2027 tuition and fee schedule, MS1 students pay the following:
- Tuition (Texas resident): $23,783 per year
- Tuition (non-resident): $36,879 per year
- Fees: $35,124 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Health insurance fee: $5,914 (waivable with proof of coverage)
- Direct charges MS1 (TX resident, all three combined): $31,359.85
- Total cost of attendance MS1 (TX resident, with living expenses): $65,513.85
- Total cost of attendance MS1 (non-resident): $77,917
Two more numbers worth knowing: average graduate indebtedness is $141,570, and approximately 70% of Baylor students receive some form of financial aid. Financial need is not a factor in admissions selection. If the cost of attendance has Baylor out of reach, financial aid information is sent to all accepted applicants, and a financial aid officer is available for consultation. FAFSA, institutional scholarships, federal grants, and loans can help fill in the gaps.
Part 3: Getting Into Baylor College of Medicine
You know what programs Baylor has to offer. You know how much it costs to attend. So, just how hard is it to get in? Baylor accepts approximately 3-4% of all applicants, which ranks them among the most selective MD programs in the country. The good news for non-Texas applicants: Baylor’s admissions committee uses the same evaluation criteria for in-state and out-of-state residents. For a focused look at the numbers alone, see our companion piece on the Baylor College of Medicine acceptance rate.
Stats for the Most Recent Entering Class
- New entrants: 226
- Total enrollment (across all four years): 964
- Median MCAT: 519 (mean 518.7); section medians 130 BBLS / 128 CARS / 130 CPBS / 130 PSBB
- Median GPA: 3.95 (science 3.94)
- Research experience: 99% of matriculants
- Physician shadowing: 97%
- Community service: 92%
- Bachelor’s degree at matriculation: 81% (about 3% hold a graduate degree)
- Science/math majors: 57%
- Matriculation states represented: 18 (significant out-of-state representation including CA, NY, FL, GA, IL, NJ, NC, OR, TN, UT, WA, WI)
If you rank in these numbers, you’ve got a real shot at getting into Baylor College of Medicine. What will push you over the edge is having strong essays to go with your grades and test scores. We’ll cover that in the next section.
Baylor accepts MCAT scores from the past three years. For the 2026-2027 application cycle, the earliest acceptable test date is September 2, 2024, and the latest is September 13, 2027. The admissions committee will review your most recent score; you don’t need to retake if your initial score is competitive.
Baylor College of Medicine requires all MD and MD/PhD applicants to complete CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics), an online situational judgment test that assesses professionalism, ethics, and interpersonal skills. AAMC PREview is NOT required at Baylor. Register and find current testing windows on Baylor’s CASPer Test page.
Course Requirements
- Math: 3-4 credits (Biostatistics)
- Expository Writing: 3-4 credits (English, public policy, etc.)
- Humanities and/or Behavioral Sciences: 12 credits (Foreign language, psychology, etc.)
- Organic chemistry: 6-8 credit hours (no lab required)
- Biochemistry: 3-4 credits (no lab required)
- Biology: 3-4 credits (no lab required; take genetics and cell/molecular biology courses)
Though not required, Baylor highly recommends that students take Spanish. Texas Medical Center, where many students will go for clinical rotations, has a high volume of Spanish-speaking patients. Not understanding any Spanish could have a negative impact on your experience.
Additionally, while you can major in science, it’s not a requirement. Many admitted students have majored in other subjects for their undergraduate studies.
Admissions Timeline (2026-2027 Cycle)
Important: Baylor is part of the Texas medical school system and uses TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service) as its primary application, not AMCAS. TMDSAS opens earlier than AMCAS, has different essay prompts, and has its own deadlines. If you’re applying to Baylor, you must complete a TMDSAS application even if you’re also submitting AMCAS applications elsewhere. (The MSTP/MD-PhD program at Baylor also accepts AMCAS for MSTP-track applicants.) The deadlines are as follows.
- TMDSAS opens: May 1, 2026
- TMDSAS earliest BCM submission: May 15, 2026
- Application review begins: June 1, 2026
- TMDSAS primary deadline (BCM): October 1, 2026
- BCM secondary application: emailed after TMDSAS submission
- Secondary deadline: November 1, 2026 at 5 p.m. CST
- Secondary fee: $100 (fee waivers available)
- Interviews: July 2026 through December 2027
- Acceptance notifications begin: November 1, 2026
- Final acceptance date: May 14, 2027
- Deposit: $300 (non-refundable, applied to tuition), due by April 30, 2027
Baylor College of Medicine operates with a rolling admissions system, meaning that the earlier you submit a complete file (primary, secondary, letters, CASPer), the earlier you’ll know if you’re invited to interview and, if successful, accepted.
Baylor follows the TMDSAS acceptance protocol for narrowing your school list after offers come in. Refer to the TMDSAS website for current rules on the “ranking your choices” and “matching” process specific to Texas-residency applicants.
Primary and Secondary Applications
When you apply to Baylor College of Medicine, you’ll have both primary and secondary applications to fill out. Your primary application is TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service), the centralized application for all Texas public medical schools and Baylor. TMDSAS has its own personal statement, work-and-activities section, and characteristics essay. The TMDSAS website has the official guide and dates for the current cycle. (For non-Texas schools you’ll likely also use AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service, run by the AAMC.) Baylor’s MD/PhD applicants may apply via AMCAS for the MSTP track.
Your secondary application is mostly comprised of the essays you’ll write that are in addition to your TMDSAS materials. We’ll cover the current 2026-2027 cycle prompts in the next section.
Part 4: Writing Your Essays
For an English major, this might be the easiest part of your application. But if you don’t spend a lot of time writing, this part might intimidate you. Don’t worry! We’ll go over each question, explain how to answer it, and provide guidance. These notes are meant to give you a sense of how to write your own essays and what kinds of material to include.
Baylor Secondary Essay Prompts: 2026-2027 Cycle
These prompts were verified against Baylor’s 2025-2026 supplemental application. Baylor has used near-identical prompts for several cycles, with the menu of options in Prompt 1 most prone to year-over-year change. Baylor’s 2026-2027 supplemental portal opens June 1, 2026. We’ll refresh this section once the new portal is live; in the meantime, confirm the options and any wording changes against the live BCM portal before submitting.
Total budget across all three prompts: about 3,000 characters (roughly 500 words combined). Two prompts are conditional; Prompt 3 is mandatory.
2026-2027 Prompt 1: Areas of Interest Beyond Clinical Training (1,000 characters)
In addition to training as a competent physician, please select up to two additional areas of interest from the items below that you may want to pursue during your medical studies. Your responses will have no bearing on applications to joint degrees or special programs to which you might also apply. Options include: Clinical Research, Healthcare disparities / medically underserved communities, Academic Medicine, Community Health, Simulation in medical education, Health systems science, Telehealth, and Advocacy. What knowledge, skills and attitudes have you developed that have prepared you for this career path? (1000 characters.)
How to approach Prompt 1. The character limit is tight, under 175 words. Pick two interest areas you have real evidence for, not two that sound impressive. Reviewers can read the rest of your application; they want to see that the interests you name are backed by something you actually did. Lead with a specific scene (a patient interaction, a research result, a community engagement), then connect it to the BCM curricular feature that matches: the Longitudinal Inquiry Project, the Medical Research Pathway, or BCM’s community-based primary care clinics inside the Texas Medical Center. Naming the BCM-specific feature shows fit. Avoid lists of activities. One or two concrete examples land harder than five generic ones.
2026-2027 Prompt 2: Gap Year and Timeline (no fixed limit; ~100-150 words)
Are you planning to matriculate into medical school immediately after completing your undergraduate education? If not, please explain what activities and/or careers you have pursued in the time between your college education and your application.
How to approach Prompt 2. Keep it factual and short. Reviewers are not looking for a second personal statement here. They want to know what you have been doing during your gap year(s) and why. List the role(s), the time commitment, and one sentence on what you got from each. If you’re applying directly from undergrad, a one-sentence “No, applying directly after completion of my BS in [major]” is fine. Don’t pad.
2026-2027 Prompt 3: Special Experiences / Additional Information (MANDATORY, 2,000 characters)
Indicate any special experiences, unusual factors or other information you feel would be helpful in evaluating you, including, but not limited to, education, employment, extracurricular activities, prevailing over adversity. You may expand upon but not repeat TMDSAS or AMCAS application information. This section is mandatory. Please make sure you submit an essay or your application will not be reviewed by the committee. (2000 characters)
How to approach Prompt 3. This is the most consequential of the three. An empty Prompt 3 will get your application set aside without review, and Baylor states this explicitly. Use the full 2,000 characters (about 300-350 words). The instruction not to repeat TMDSAS material is firm, so resist the urge to summarize your activity list. Pick one thing the TMDSAS app cannot capture and write a scene around it: a caregiving year, an academic dip and recovery, a non-traditional path, a defining moment in a clinical setting that changed your direction, or an identity-based experience that informs how you’ll practice medicine. Specific over abstract. Scene over summary. A common pitfall is using Prompt 3 to repeat clinical hours or research projects already itemized elsewhere. Reviewers see this immediately and it costs you the strongest space you have to add texture to your file.
Past-Cycle Prompts (For Reference)
For context, here is how Baylor framed its secondary prompts in earlier cycles. The structure is similar to the current set, with the notable change that Baylor has dropped the “first career” prompt in recent cycles and tightened the framing of Prompts 1-3 above. The sample essays below were written for earlier-cycle versions of these prompts; they remain useful as a sense of length, voice, and the kind of specific detail that lands well with Baylor reviewers, even if you’ll be writing to the current prompts.
Past Question #1: Gap Year (optional, 2,000 characters)
If you’ve taken a gap year(s), please explain how you’ve occupied your time and how you will continue to do so between earning your bachelor’s degree and your matriculation into medical school. (optional, 2000 characters)
This essay is optional. While we usually recommend writing an essay in response to every prompt to help you stand out, this is truly optional. If you haven’t taken a gap year, then you don’t have anything to write about.
But, if you took a gap year, then this essay is required. There are multiple reasons why you might have taken a gap year. Perhaps you were saving up. Maybe you had a family emergency. Or maybe, like Mekinzee Elliott, you took a forced gap year, and you’re re-applicant. There’s no right or wrong reason to take a gap year. Baylor College of Medicine is simply asking why you took the gap year.
You don’t have room for a lengthy explanation. You have 2,000 characters, not words. That means that all spaces and punctuation count. Here’s an example of what would work.
I took a gap year between my bachelor’s degree and medical school to live with my sister and her husband out in the country. After spending three years in a big city while earning my bachelor’s degree, I wanted to take some time to be with my family. I hadn’t seen my sister more than twice a year since I was in high school. Plus, I want to be a pediatrician, and she has two little ones. So, I spent the year living with my sister and her family, nannying her kids, and taking a much-needed break after completing a four-year degree in three years.
I wouldn’t trade the time I spent with my sister for anything in the world. Children grow up fast, so it was wonderful to spend time with my niece and nephew, as well as getting to know my brother-in-law better. It was also refreshing to spend time in the country with lush farmland and rolling hills.
Now that I’ve taken this break, I’m working as a CNA at my local pediatrician’s office until I start medical school. The money I’m earning is going toward living expenses to reduce my overall med school debt. Taking a gap year was a great choice for me, but I’m ready to dive back into learning and become a pediatrician through your four-year MD program.
This essay comes in at 1,207 characters. While there are just under 800 characters left, you don’t need to fill them in. As long as you answer the prompt completely, you’re good to go. This essay works because she answers the question honestly. She needed a mental break and wanted to spend time with family. That’s a valid reason to take a year off.
Past Question #2: First Career (optional, 2,000 characters, NOTE: Baylor has dropped this prompt in recent cycles)
If becoming a doctor was not your first career, tell us what your first career choice was. (optional, 2000 characters)
Like the first question, this essay prompt is optional. If you’re a 20-something working on your bachelor’s degree, this question doesn’t apply to you. But if you’re like Dr. Park on The Good Doctor, then you’ll have a story to tell. We recommend briefly explaining what you did for your first career and why you’re transitioning to the medical field. Remember to keep your essay to 2,000 or less characters.
Past Question #3: Special Experiences (required, 2,000 characters)
Discuss special experiences, unusual factors or anything else that the admissions committee should know in context of your application. Academics, work, extracurricular activities and dealing with adversity are all appropriate subjects. It’s okay to expound on your TMDSAS or AMCAS application, but do not repeat the information we already have. (required, 2000 characters)
Here is the required essay that every applicant must write. Having so broad a range of topics to write about can feel daunting. If you’re having trouble narrowing down what you want to share with the admissions committee, contact us. Our experts at International Medical Aid will guide you through the process. We’ll help you choose a topic, and we’ll proofread your finished essay.
While some applications have you write a few shorter essays and a longer one, Baylor College of Medicine keeps all applicant essays to 2,000 characters. So, while you must write this essay, you don’t have to write a short story. We hope this decreases your stress levels!
Here’s an example of an essay for this question.
I don’t think I’ve ever missed summer camp. I have fond memories of every summer camp I ever went to, from the time I was old enough to go until last summer. Only, last summer was my first time being a teacher.
I transitioned from being a camper to a volunteer when I was 14 years old. That was the youngest they allowed volunteers to be. Ultimately, I wanted to be a teacher, but you have to start as a volunteer. I was 17 when I became a teacher. From the selection of classes to teach, I chose science. I wanted to teach children about photosynthesis and help them perform scientific experiences. For many of them, this would be their first exposure to science. I wanted it to be fun and memorable.
What I didn’t anticipate was all the questions they would ask. The campers were truly interested and asked questions I hadn’t thought about. I researched their questions so that I could provide solid answers. I wanted to encourage them to continue research on their own and to be everyday scientists. And I realized that I wanted to spend my time researching more areas of science.
I’ve wanted to be a doctor for a long time, but teaching that class at summer camp helped me realize that I wanted to be more than just a doctor. I want to pursue my MD/Ph.D. at Baylor College of Medicine so that I can split my days between patient care and laboratory research.
While my experience as a summer camp teacher is listed in the Work and Activities section of my AMCAS, it doesn’t tell the story of how it influenced my decision to pursue a dual degree. I believe that’s something that can only be shared by relaying my experience. I’ll never forget how happy and excited those campers were. I’m excited for the day when I am a doctor of both medicine and philosophy. I hope I can earn my education at Baylor, and do just that.
This essay just barely makes the cut at 1,949 characters. This applicant does well in sharing her story. She follows the rules, too. While she had mentioned the summer camp in her work and activities section, she hadn’t elaborated, making this an appropriate topic to discuss without repeating information.
Part 5: The Interview
First off, congratulations if you have an interview at Baylor College of Medicine. Only 13% of applicants are invited to interview, so this is huge! But good for you if you’re reading to learn about the interview process. You can’t be too prepared for an interview this big.
Baylor College of Medicine uses the traditional interview format. You’ll go through two 30-minute interviews. The interview pairing will be either two faculty members or one faculty member plus one student / resident / fellow from the Admissions Interviewing Subcommittee.
You won’t need to travel to Baylor for your interview. Baylor conducts interviews virtually via Zoom for the 2026-2027 cycle (this is by Baylor’s choice, not a pandemic accommodation). Interview sessions are held Friday afternoons. The Admissions Deans open the day with a welcome, and BCM students walk applicants through the agenda. The session closes with a live student Q&A panel and an optional “Life in Houston” presentation. The Thursday evening before each interview session, Baylor hosts a virtual student social for that interview cohort. Make sure you have a steady internet connection and that your camera, audio, and Zoom setup are all working before the day.
Having a virtual interview instead of an in-person one can psych some students out. Because of this, we recommend preparing for your virtual interview the same way you would prepare for an in-person one. That means dressing the part (not just from the waist up!), making sure your computer is working properly, choosing a neutral background, and being prepared to answer whatever questions you are asked.
Since Baylor College of Medicine uses the traditional interview format, you can anticipate questions like:
- “Why Baylor specifically? What about the Longitudinal Inquiry Project, the Medical Research Pathway, or the Texas Medical Center setting matters to you?”
- “Describe the most significant experiences that led you to pursue a medical career.”
- “How do you stand out from other applicants?”
- “Tell us about a specific patient or community-care experience that shaped your path.”
- “How would you handle a disagreement with a senior physician about patient care?”
Bring a few thoughtful questions of your own. Asking your faculty interviewer about a specific research interest of theirs, or asking your student interviewer about how the curriculum has evolved during their training, signals real preparation.
After the interview: Baylor accepts post-interview Letters of Intent and Letters of Interest. If Baylor is your top choice, a well-written Letter of Intent after the interview can matter at the margin. Note that updates to your application (new MCAT, new publication, new role) are not accepted after the interview, so use the LOI strategically. It’s about commitment, not new facts.
On the day of your interview, take a deep breath and do your best. No one interviews perfectly, but with your preparation, you’ll have a good a shot as any other applicant. If you want to practice beforehand, consider a mock interview with us.
Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions About Baylor
Is Baylor College of Medicine the same as Baylor University?
No. Baylor College of Medicine is an independent private medical school in Houston, governed by its own Board of Trustees. Baylor University (in Waco, Texas) is a separate institution. The two share historical roots but are now governed and funded independently.
Does Baylor accept AMCAS?
No, the MD program uses TMDSAS as its primary application service. If you’re applying to Baylor, you must complete a TMDSAS application even if you’re submitting AMCAS applications to schools outside Texas. The MD/PhD (MSTP) program also accepts AMCAS for MSTP-track applicants.
Does Baylor favor Texas residents?
The MD program uses the same evaluation criteria for in-state and out-of-state applicants. However, the matriculating class composition often tilts toward Texas residents, partly because in-state tuition is meaningfully lower and partly because TMDSAS applicant pool dynamics favor in-state. Out-of-state applicants with strong files are competitive at Baylor. Eighteen states were represented in the most recent matriculating class.
What’s the average MCAT score for accepted students at Baylor?
The median MCAT for the most recent entering class is 519, with a mean of 518.7. Section medians are tightly clustered at 128-130 across all four sections.
What’s the average GPA for accepted students at Baylor?
Median total GPA is 3.95; median science GPA is 3.94. About 81% of matriculants enter with a bachelor’s degree as their highest degree; roughly 3% hold a graduate degree at matriculation.
Does Baylor require CASPer or PREview?
Baylor requires CASPer for all MD and MD/PhD applicants. AAMC PREview is NOT required at Baylor. Register and check current testing windows on Baylor’s CASPer Test page.
Are interviews in-person or virtual at Baylor?
Virtual via Zoom, by Baylor’s choice. Friday afternoons. Two 30-minute interviews per applicant with two faculty (or one faculty + one student / resident / fellow).
Can I apply to the MD/PhD if I’m an international applicant?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. The MSTP at Baylor accepts international applicants. The MD-only program does not.
Does Baylor accept transfer students?
No. Baylor does not accept transfer students into the MD program.
Can I establish Texas residency after matriculating?
Yes. Out-of-state matriculants can establish Texas residency for tuition purposes after their first year. Details are on the BCM registrar’s site.
Part 7: International Medical Aid
International Medical Aid is here to help you. Whether it’s reviewing your primary and secondary applications, proofreading an essay, or conducting a mock interview, we’ve got your back. Visit our website to schedule your appointment today.
In addition to our consulting services, International Medical Aid offers global internship opportunities in East Africa and South America. If you’re interested in going on a trip with us, check out our website for more information.
Conclusion
We wish you the best of luck as you apply to medical school! Baylor College of Medicine is a fantastic school that will offer you a world-class education. While you’re looking at schools to apply to, check out some of our definitive guides to other schools.
- Baylor College of Medicine Acceptance Rate (2026)
- George Washington University School of Medicine
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
- St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (PA)
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- Western University of Health Sciences (CA)
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Yale School of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine
- UCLA Medical School
- NYU Medical School
- Washington University School of Medicine
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Brown Medical School
We recommend applying to multiple schools. If any of the schools you’re looking at aren’t listed above, check back soon. We update our blog with new guides all the time.
We wish you the very best in your medical school journey. The journey can be a rewarding experience, and we hope it’s exactly that for you. Remember to reach out to us if you need any help with your applications, essays or interviews. We believe in you and in your ability to become a medical doctor.
